Casablanca seeks new model for augmented city development
via Le Matin5 min read
Casablanca, a Moroccan metropolis, is positioning itself as a pioneer in African urban development, ten years after launching its Smart City initiative. The 10th edition of Casablanca Smart City brought together public officials, academics, researchers, entrepreneurs, and international experts to discuss the concept of an "augmented city" driven by artificial intelligence, data, immersive technologies, and digital platforms, while maintaining its identity and human dimension. Awatif Hayar, president of the scientific committee of Smart City Casablanca, emphasized that technology serves as a tool for social inclusion, economic opportunities, public safety, and improved quality of life. She highlighted Casablanca's "Smart Inclusive City" model, which prioritizes citizens' needs over mere technological infrastructure. As Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 World Cup, Casablanca aims to leverage its economic significance, contributing nearly 30% of the national GDP, to adopt a global vision for an augmented city, moving beyond isolated smart projects. Artificial intelligence is seen as a key element, with discussions around digital twins modeling the metropolis in real-time, optimizing mobility, monitoring the environment, and improving infrastructure management. However, experts like Hassan Redouane, representing the president of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Hicham El Habti, cautioned against an exclusively algorithmic view, stressing the importance of balancing technolo
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Matin.
The 3rd AIConference by AI Institute by Holmarcom, held in Casablanca, brought together leaders and experts to discuss the impact of artificial intelligence on Moroccan businesses. Discussions went beyond productivity gains to cover data control, economic sovereignty, and the risks of dependence on major technology platforms. Khong-Lo Pham, a strategy and AI expert and guest of honor, warned of a potential "cognitive defeat" for organizations. He urged businesses to develop their own AI applications rather than merely consuming solutions developed elsewhere.
The Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity initiated "Operation Marhaba 2026" on June 10 to assist Moroccans globally during their travels to Morocco. This operation, under the effective presidency of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, is scheduled to run until September 15.
Morocco has manufactured over 140 cannabis-based products, registered with the Moroccan Agency for Medicines and Health Products, and made available in over 600 authorized points of sale. However, the prescription of therapeutic cannabis by doctors is not yet widespread. This was a key takeaway from the first scientific day on the therapeutic use of cannabis, organized in Casablanca by the National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis-Related Activities ANRAC in partnership with the Moroccan Society of Medical Sciences SMSM. Mohamed El Guerrouj, Director General of ANRAC, noted that while the regulatory, industrial, and pharmaceutical framework is in place, and production and distribution channels are established, medical use remains "timid." The challenge lies in building medical trust, establishing precise clinical frameworks, clear indications, therapeutic protocols, and professional training. Scientific societies, prescribing physicians, and researchers are now tasked with translating this legal sector into documented and monitored medical practice. Moulay Saïd Afif, President of the SMSM, emphasized the importance of Morocco's robust legal framework for cannabis cultivation, processing, and medical use. Jaâfar Heikel, Director General of Strategy, Development, and International Relations at the Mohammed VI Foundation for Sciences and Health, stressed the need for medical rigor, including defining patient indications, evidence-based prescriptions, and guarantees. Heikel